Daniel Carmeli

Environmental Conservation Education '07

A strong desire to travel and volunteer abroad prompted Dan Carmeli '07 to embark on a journey of self discovery this past spring, a decision that led him to India. His plan was simple: he would work for the Foundation for Ecological Security in Udaipur and enjoy the rich food and culture that he had appreciated from afar. What came to pass was truly unexpected and offered so much more.

A native of Queens, NY, Dan pursued his undergraduate studies at Cornell in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Upon graduation, he continued his education at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at NYU, where he enrolled in the Environmental Conservation Education program in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in the Professions. Describing the appeal of Conservation Education, Dan explained that he was “instantly attracted to the program because of its open and intensive interdisciplinary offerings." He remarked, “Steinhardt's urban campus takes you beyond Washington Square – it takes you to the UN and around the world."

Following the completion of his studies at Steinhardt and internship at the United Nations Development Programme's Equator Initiative, Dan traveled to India in early February to volunteer for the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). FES was founded in 1985 by the Prime Minister of India to help protect against ecological degradation in the country. The Foundation's mission resonated with Dan, and along with his fiancé Ali, he headed for Udaipur.

After a few months working at FES, Dan and Ali had a chance encounter at the Elephant Festival with a local entrepreneur. The entrepreneur represented a co-op for artists, and his passion and interest for his work made Dan rethink his plans. Before long, Dan made the decision to leave FES and puruse a new endeavor. Reflecting on this choice, Dan commented, “I had a feeling that I couldn't simply stay put and watch, but that I needed to get involved somehow."

With an opportunity to marry their environmental interests and knowledge of sustainable energy solutions, agriculture, and climate change, Dan and Ali began to travel through India and observe the way local artisans sold their products, as well as the types of conditions in which artists were laboring. Noting the uniqueness and superb quality of each handmade product, Dan and Ali decided to launch a sustainable, eco-friendly business that would promote the beautiful textiles and art being created in India. They would do so by taking out the “middle man" and helping to provide good working conditions for both farmers and artisans; thus was born Namaste of Mind.

Emphasizing the value and importance of “making things to last," Namaste of Mind was founded to help reverse the values of our ‘throwaway culture' and to promote a carbon neutral lifestyle. With plans to give back 50% of proceeds to the artisans and farmers creating products for Namaste, Dan and Ali built a business plan which operates primarily through e-commerce. All products sold at Namaste are hand-picked by Dan and Ali.

With a belief that they can tell the story of the Indian artisans and their community through this venture, Dan and Ali are now back in the States and readying to marry next spring. Dan will continue to grow Namaste through the connections he established before leaving India by returning there a few times a year. As he contemplates the future of Namaste of Mind and his efforts in raising conservation awareness, Dan offers, “If you just keep talking about what you are doing, like-minded people can help you along the way."

To learn more, please visit The Sustainable Connection and the Namaste of Mind.